The goal of this virtual training is to complete a blood collection procedure in a safe and efficient manner using the evacuated tube system after a test request is received from the provider. Blood collection with an Evacuated Tube System includes a tourniquet, vacuum tubes, a double-sided safety needle and a needle holder. In this VR training, the learner will use all required equipment to perform the standard procedure of preparing the patient, cleaning the puncture site, locating the puncture vein, preparing the Evacuated Tube System (ETS) and collecting a blood sample from the virtual patient’s body. 

A butterfly needle is a device used to access a vein for drawing blood or administering medication. Some medical professionals refer to a butterfly needle as a “winged infusion set” or a “scalp vein set.” The set gets its name from the plastic wing-like structures on either sides of the needle that is used to access the vein. The set consists of a small gauge needle which is ideal for drawing blood from very small and fragile veins, like those on the back of the hand. A butterfly, or winged infusion draw, can be completed using either an evacuated tube system (ETS) or syringe and transfer device. Learners, in this VR training program, will practice the procedure to collect a blood sample from a virtual patient using the ETS by first preparing the winged infusion set and then by inserting it in the vein of the virtual patient.

Capillary collection (skin puncture or dermal puncture) is an alternate method of drawing blood. This is the preferred method of collecting blood samples of new-borns and infants as well as for ancillary blood glucose testing. A phlebotomist must be familiar and well-versed with the capillary collection method – its uses, advantages, and limitations. Not all conditions qualify for a capillary collection while many circumstances do not permit a venipuncture. A capillary collection procedure involves a puncture equipment with a trigger that must be depressed to create a puncture in the skin to help collect a sample. The sample is collected in micro containers called bullets which come is multiple sizes. In this VR training, learners will clean a puncture site, draw blood using a puncture device, and transfer the sample to a collection container.